Tips for mtn biking in the rain?

[crazycanuck]

I've done a few searches on Youtube etc for wet weather mtn biking tips but i must be typing the wrong search info in :o. I'll keep looking but thought someone might have a favourite link...

I was out riding in the freaking pouring rain this afternoon & although it was fun, I began to think about my handling skills in the wet. The trail I was on has quite a few log overs that I don't trust in the wet. I caught a few rocks the wrong way as well..

What i'd like to confirm- will i get enough traction on log overs in the wet even if my behind is as far back as possible? I should explain that this particular trail has quite a few dowhill log overs..
Also, do i brake just a smidgen? Am i correct that it's all down to timing when doing log overs in the wet..

I would have done more but the weather today just went from crappy to sort of nice to bleh...winter riding in Perth...

[SheFly]

[soapbox begin]

Here in the Northeastern US, riding on the trails in the rain isn't a great idea. Trails can sustain some significant damage when this happens - erosion, trail widening (because people ride AROUND rather than THROUGH the puddles), etc. We try to avoid getting out if it is raining, or has rained for a significant amount of time (like the past two weeks!).

Please think about your impact when riding in the rain

[soapbox end]

Now, having said that, I have ridden and raced off road in the rain (yes, I am contradicting myself here, but often race promoters don't worry about the impact they are having - and with 300+ racers, it's significant!).

The log overs are going to be SLICK when wet. Keeping your butt planted is a better idea to help with traction, whenever possible. If you are going over roots, doo it at a perpendicular angle whenever possible - sliding out on these is a given in wet conditions. Rocks can also be a challenge (I have found this out more than once the hard way).

Do you have V-Brakes or discs? Discs should work just as well in the wet as they do in the dry. V-Brakes, however, will take more finesse when it's wet, and more stopping time.

Good tires, planting your weight, and feathering the brakes should definitely help you in riding wet conditions, but even the best of us slip on the logs, roots and rocks!

SheFly

[crazycanuck]

Actually, whilst I was driving out to the trail, I thought to myself..should i be riding in the wet? I'll have to ask our local trail guru about this & post it on our local board.. This trail has good water run off & has a mix of pea gravel etc.

I don't have a choice but to ride in the rain...it's " winter" here in Perth. (winter=occasional downpours) Our 6hr is coming up..

I have disc brakes & normally only use my left brake lightly when going downhill..I guess I was right about where to keep my weight but a few early slips made me wonder...

Thanks :)

[Irulan]

You might check with your local club/trail organization about the local thinking on riding wet trails. It does depend a lot on soil condition, type and drainage. I'm with shefly, in that around here we don't ride wet trails, and we give them 24+ hours to dry out after a down pour.

She mentioned the puddle thing: if you must ride a wet trail, go THROUGH puddles not around them. This keeps the singletrack single.

http://www.imba.com/resources/soft_cycling/art.html

http://www.imba.com/about/trail_rules.html

[Aggie_Ama]

Not to jump on the same soapbox but in Texas we wait 24-48 hours depending on the trail. With persistent droughts the trails really need to recover from rain. Most are built on small creeks that can flash flood so it is dangerous to get caught in a storm, plus we don't get much rain that isn't accompanied by thunder and lightning.

That being said the one thing is make sure to thoroughly clean your drivetrain and be careful, some puddles are way deeper than you think. So just go through but be aware they could be hiding obstacles like rocks, holes, etc...

[crazycanuck]

Thanks ladies :)

I'll ask our trail dudes tomorrow at our event about riding in the rain on certain trails in Western Australia...

I know not to ride around puddles! I know the trail well & the puddles wouldn't be deep. It was the log overs and certain rocks that would be slippery.

Tanks!

[kenyonchris]

Not to jump on the same soapbox but in Texas we wait 24-48 hours depending on the trail. With persistent droughts the trails really need to recover from rain. Most are built on small creeks that can flash flood so it is dangerous to get caught in a storm, plus we don't get much rain that isn't accompanied by thunder and lightning.

That being said the one thing is make sure to thoroughly clean your drivetrain and be careful, some puddles are way deeper than you think. So just go through but be aware they could be hiding obstacles like rocks, holes, etc...

Yeah, SOME of us wait. I just rode one of my favorite trails today, only to find that the impatient set had already been out before it was sufficiently dry enough to ride. The result? Big, nasty, tire catching ruts. It makes me mad, but I rested secure in the knowledge that the mosquitos probably carried them off to feed their young.

[Aggie_Ama]

Yeah, SOME of us wait. I just rode one of my favorite trails today, only to find that the impatient set had already been out before it was sufficiently dry enough to ride. The result? Big, nasty, tire catching ruts. It makes me mad, but I rested secure in the knowledge that the mosquitos probably carried them off to feed their young.

LOL! I go to these women's mountain bike rides hosted by the local club and find it cool that in the beginner ride they always stop to give a good discussion on being proper trail users and also point out the hazards like poison ivy. There are multiple users of the trail, some don't realize how much damage their impatience is bringing and some just don't care.

[crazycanuck]

I did a search on the MTBA site but found very little on regs for wet weather riding. All I know is that over east, Manly Dam is normally closed when it's wet.

I'll do some more asking.

Rain makes our trails great in Western Australia. Mushy pea gravel is better than when slippery.

[Tabby]

I haven't been to the forum for awhile, but thought I'd chime in too!

As a basic standard, we close our trails for 24 hours/inch of rain and folks are pretty good about posting on local forums trail conditions and damage.

Saturday we were out and though we started sunny and dry, it decided to rain about 12 miles into our 19 mile ride making the last 7.5 miles pretty slick... slick roots, slick rocks, slick logs, slick leaves, slick off-camber clay soil. After a couple falls on those slick obstacles I opted for walking over them and riding what I could on the trail within my comfort level. I was totally frustrated, but finally made it back to the car with only a couple bruises and scrapes. I couldn't figure out how to manuever the slick stuff. Other suggestions would help .... even though I find no shame in walking.

[fatbottomedgurl]

Yeah we stay off the trails here when it's wet in southern california but I wish they would get that message to the equestrians. Horses can destroy a beautiful single track.